Technical Paper
Development of a Clean, Efficient, Propane-Fueled Tractor
2003-05-19
2003-01-1923
Southwest Research Institute has developed a modern propane-fueled John Deere 5410 tractor through funding provided by the Propane Education and Research Council and the Texas Alternative Fuels Council with support from the John Deere Product Engineering Center. The project began in June 2001 and the tractor was completed in March 2002. The objective of this project was to develop an economical, commercially-viable propane-fueled heavy- duty engine for an off-road vehicle. Propane-fueled agricultural and construction equipment would be appropriate new applications for this engine. For example, large numbers of small agricultural tractors are used in both rural and urban settings for such tasks as mowing, right of way maintenance, etc. Use of diesel powered equipment in an urban environment contributes to ozone formation and particulate matter emissions, which are both air quality concerns.